Crime
JUST IN: Reps Probe ₦1.5bn Allegedly Diverted By Women Affairs Ministry
The House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development is probing the ₦1.5bn meant for the payment of contractors, but allegedly diverted by principal officers of the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The Director of Finance of the ministry, Aloy Ifeakandu, during an interactive session with the committee on Thursday, said he only complied with official directives from his superiors, saying the records were available.The session followed a petition by contractors of the ministry to the House of Representatives, over non-payment of contracts executed running into billions of naira.Speaking during the interactive session, Chairman of the committee, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara alluded that the ministry initiated new contracts not captured in the 2023 budget and diverted (₦1.5bn) funds for old contractors.She added that the ministry while owing contractors, awarded fresh contracts in 15 states of the federation, similarly not captured in the 2023 appropriation.
“Money for contractors has not been paid and money has been diverted, so how do you pay these contractors” She asked.She said there is an ongoing probe of the ministry by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on overhead release of November/December, 2023, to the tune of ₦1.5bn.The petitioners, according to Ogbara also alleged that the ministry purchased seven tricycles for a military Barack in Abuja, an allegation a procurement officer of the ministry denied.Continuing, the committee noted that the ministry signed a memorandum of understanding MoU with the American University of Nigeria, Yola for the payment of Chibok girls’ school fees for seven years.
Responding to some of the allegations, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda who exonerated himself, explained that in “2023 we had a total budget of ₦13.6bn. The total release was ₦3.4bn, translating to 25 per cent, budget utilisation ₦3.4bn, while unreleased balance stood at N10.2bn”.However, the DFA, said “I resumed at the ministry in September 2023, I wouldn’t know what happened before I came.“The individual contractors have their files, it can be traced, as at the time I took over, there was no balance in the vote” he said.Amidst the controversy, correspondence from the office of the Accountant General of the federation revealed that the said ₦1.5 bn has been released to the ministry.
“Since the minister came on board, no payment has been made, the permanent secretary said the minister ordered him not to pay any contractor” the petitioners said.Meanwhile, the committee has summoned the minister of women affairs and social development, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, to appear on Tuesday.“We are giving till Tuesday for the ministry to bring all documents to come and defend where the N1.5bn disappeared to”.The committee also ordered the ministry to stop all contract processes in 2024, “until we resolve this matter”.Additionally, the committee also sought to see the special account for the Chibok girls and the MoU.“We want to see the account and documents” Ogbara added
Crime
DSS Cracks Down on Plateau Violence, Arms Recovery
The Department of State Services has recorded another breakthrough, arresting a man believed to be a major supplier of weapons to armed groups.
This comes Three months after arraigning suspects in the Yelwata and Plateau massacres.
In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Musa Abubakar, a suspected arms manufacturer, in a targeted raid on November 12th.
The operation took place at his workshop in Mista Ali, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The arrest followed weeks of meticulous surveillance and the gathering of credible intelligence.
According to investigators, Abubakar confessed to manufacturing and distributing high-caliber weapons and ammunition.
These weapons were allegedly supplied to groups responsible for the recent violent attacks in Plateau State and other northern states.
Authorities seized a cache of evidence during the raid, including components of improvised explosive devices, various chemicals, and equipment used in the manufacturing process.
The DSS is continuing its investigation, aiming to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the arms supply chain and bring them to justice.
Crime
Army confirms death of two soldiers in Borno ambush
Boko Haram terrorists on Friday night ambushed troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade during a routine patrol around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing four security operatives.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, noting that the attack occurred as the troops were returning from a successful patrol around the fringes of Sambisa Forest.
“Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, on routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa LGA of Borno State, came under a sudden and heavy insurgents’ fire while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forests,” the statement said.
Anele explained that the patrol team, led by the Commander of the 25 Brigade, Brigadier General M. Uba, included soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). She said the team fought through the ambush with “superior firepower,” forcing the terrorists to retreat.
However, two soldiers and two CJTF operatives were killed in the attack.
While commending the troops for their gallantry, Anele said the Army high command commiserates with the families of the fallen personnel and praised their sacrifice.
She also dismissed reports circulating online alleging that the Brigade Commander had been abducted during the ambush.
“The Army Headquarters wishes to debunk the fake narrative… alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander,” she said, urging the public to disregard the misinformation.
She added that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, saluted the bravery and resilience of the troops, describing their commitment as a reminder of the daily sacrifices made to keep Nigeria safe.
The incident comes barely a month after Boko Haram terrorists killed the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lt. Col. Aliyu Paiko, along with several soldiers, during an attack in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Crime
BREAKING: DSS Recaptures Ansaru Terrorist Commander Linked to Church Massacre
The Department of State Services (DSS) has successfully recaptured a high-ranking commander of the Ansaru terrorist group, Abdulazeez Obadaki.
He is believed to be the mastermind behind the horrific mass shooting at a Deeper Life Bible Church near Okene, Kogi State, which took place on August 7, 2012.
This recapture marks a significant step in bringing those responsible for the tragedy to justice. The attack on the church, a deeply sorrowful event, resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 19 worshippers, including the pastor, and left many others with varying degrees of injuries.
The DSS’s efforts to apprehend Obadaki demonstrate their commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of citizens.
Security sources disclosed that the suspected terrorist leader confessed to orchestrating the Kuje Custodial centre jailbreak following his transfer from Kabba Custodial Centre in June 2022.
According to the sources, after over three years of being on the run, DSS operatives in a, well-oiled intelligence operation recaptured Obadaki aka Bomboy, on Friday morning.
This arrest comes barely two months after the secret police arraigned five suspects linked to the 2022 Catholic Church attack in Owo, Ondo State.
During the February 2022 daylight bank robberies in Uromi, Edo State, which instilled widespread fear across the region, several policemen and bank customers were killed, while hundreds of millions of Naira was reportedly carted away.
The secret police has, of recent, been recording a chain of successes in the capture of terrorists and criminal elements across the nation, with its new leadership fast-tracking the trial of the arrested suspects.
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